A Tory MP has called for a new minister to be appointed to “protect the Union Jack” following criticism of redesigned England and Team GB shirts.

Henry Smith, MP for Crawley and chair of the parliamentary flags and heraldry group, said he was “tired” of the “continuous erosion of respect for our national symbols”.

Earlier this week, the British Olympic Association faced backlash for selling Union Jack merchandise in colors other than red, white and blue.

Designers have introduced options including pink and purple, rather than the traditional flag colors associated with the British Olympic team.

A similar row followed after Nike modified the cross on the back of the England football team’s shirt with purple and blue horizontal stripes ahead of Euro 2024.

The US company said the colors were inspired by the training kits worn by England’s 1966 World Cup winning team.

talking about UK newsMr Smith said: “We are seeing a steady erosion of British identity.

“People died for freedom under the Union Jack and I think that should be respected.

“I’m fed up with this constant erosion of respect for our national symbols and I suspect this is intentional and I suspect Team GB may be panicking and just pulling it back and saying the Union Jack will be treated correctly.” shown on the kit. “

Chancellor Rishi Sunak previously waded into the debate, saying equipment manufacturers “should not disrupt” the St George’s Cross.

Labor leader Kier Starmer echoed the Prime Minister’s comments.

Mr Smith added that he welcomed the idea of ​​appointing a minister responsible for national symbols.

He said: “This will not add any cost and will simply establish a point of responsibility for the Government to ensure our national symbols are protected.

“Many of our symbols are now under deliberate attack from those interested in waging a culture war, seeking to undo British identity and all the great things we do.

“One of the things I reflected on is that the Union Jack is actually a very popular popular symbol around the world. You see the Union Jack everywhere and it’s probably one of the most recognizable flags in the world.”

The aim of the all-party parliamentary group on flags and heraldry, which Mr Smith chairs, is to “promote the flying of the Union Jack and flags associated with the United Kingdom, British territories, dependencies, the Commonwealth, heraldry, British symbols and related issues.”

A spokesman for the British Olympic Association said: “All Team GB athletes will wear the Union Jack in Paris as usual”.